It is our pleasure to welcome our military families to Miami Southridge Senior High School. We pride ourselves in the opportunities we provide all of our students and on the consideration and individualized attention we are able to give military families.
Military Points of Contact
Mark Wilborn, Colonel USAF (ret.)
Aerospace Instructor, AFJROTC
David Williams, Sergeant, USAF (ret.)
Aerospace Instructor, AFJROTC
Colonel Mark Wilborn and Sergeant David Williams are Miami Southridge Senior High’s Military Points of Contact. They are here to assist and guide our military-connected students and their families. Their role is to ensure that every student from a military family receives the support and resources they need to thrive academically and socially during their time at Miami Southridge. Whether it's transitioning to a new school or navigating unique challenges, Colonel Wilborn and Sergeant Williams are dedicated to making sure our military families feel welcomed and supported every step of the way.
Admissions
Thanks to School Board Policy 2370 "dependent children of active-duty military personnel receive priority admission" to our school. Families will need to provide active military orders at the time of application. Please note, that out of consideration for deployments and orders that may not fall in-line with the traditional school calendar these applications will be received and reviewed throughout the school year. Students must still meet admission requirements in order to qualify for admission and will be accepted on a space-available basis.
Out of appreciation for the service veterans and disabled veterans have provided to our nation, and in compliance with School Board Policy 2370, "priority is given to children of veterans. To qualify, Veteran families will need to provide discharge papers (DD-214) showing service dates and an honorable discharge. If a parent has a service-connected disability, they will also need a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs."
For more details on either of these priorities offered to military families, please review "Understanding the Magnet School Board Policy 2370" on the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Magnet Application Priorities webpage.
Student Led Transition Program
Miami Southridge Senior High's Air Force JROTC program features a robust student-led transition program designed to help new cadets acclimate to the school's environment and JROTC culture. The transition team is coordinated by our ROTC instructors, who oversee the peer support system and ensure a smooth onboarding process for new students.
Peer support is provided by two key groups: the officer cadets and other high-performing cadets, who serve as mentors and guides. These cadet leaders help new students familiarize themselves with the school campus, key student leaders, and major events through guided tours and personal mentorship.
A significant component of this transition program is a summer leadership camp, which introduces new cadets to the JROTC program and its values. This camp offers hands-on training, team-building activities, and leadership exercises, allowing new cadets to build connections with their peers and familiarize themselves with JROTC expectations
Academic Planning for Military Families
At Miami Southridge Senior High, we offer a wide range of course options to meet the diverse needs of our students, including five magnet programs as well as several Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment opportunities.
Our dedicated counseling team work closely with new military-connected students to develop personalized schedules and ensure proper credit for previously completed coursework, aiming for a smooth and seamless transition into Southridge. Our Student Services team is always available to assist with any needs. Your student’s success and integration are our top priorities.
Advance Placement and Dual Enrollment Information: https://miamisouthridgeshs.com/advanced-placement-and-dual-enrollment
Academy of Health Sciences: https://miamisouthridgeshs.com/academy-of-health-sciences/
AP Capstone Magnet: https://miamisouthridgeshs.com/ap-capstone-magnet/
Business Innovation & Management: https://miamisouthridgeshs.com/business-innovation-management/
Coding and App Development: https://miamisouthridgeshs.com/coding-and-app-development/
Criminal Justice Magnet: https://miamisouthridgeshs.com/criminal-justice-magnet/
Gaming Design and Animation: https://miamisouthridgeshs.com/gaming-design-and-animation/
Visual and Performing Arts: https://miamisouthridgeshs.com/visual-and-performing-arts/
Student Service Department: https://miamisouthridgeshs.com/contact-your-counselor/
Resources and Educational Opportunities
In addition to our broad range of course offerings and magnet programs, Miami Southridge Senior High provides a variety of athletics, extracurricular activities, and support services to ensure our students have a well-rounded and enriching experience. To further support our military-connected families, we’ve compiled a list of helpful resources and links to assist with everything from academic transitions to community connections.
Exceptional Student Education Services
At Miami Southridge Senior High, we recognize the unique challenges faced by military families, especially when frequent relocations impact students' educational journeys. As part of Florida’s commitment to the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, we are dedicated to ensuring smooth transitions and providing the necessary support for our military-connected students.
Our school develops personalized Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students, including those from military families, to address their specific educational needs. In collaboration with the Military One Source Exceptional Family Member Program, we offer specialized support for military families requiring assistance with medical or educational needs during their assignments. Our Exceptional Student Education (ESE) team works closely with this program to ensure services are effectively coordinated. Regular meetings with teachers, students, and parents are held to implement necessary accommodations and to continuously monitor student progress through follow-up sessions.
Points of Contact:
Genevieve Amaris
Department Chair, Exceptional Student Education
gamaris@dadeschools.net
Maria Serralta
Program Specialist, Exceptional Student Education
meserralta@dadeschools.net
Military Recognition Events
At Miami Southridge Senior High, we proudly offer a range of activities and events designed to support our military-connected students and families. In addition to the many opportunities we provide, our College Assistance Program advisor regularly hosts assemblies and recruitment events specifically geared toward students with military interests. We also welcome recruiters from all branches of the military on a weekly basis, giving students the chance to explore potential military careers and ask questions in a one-on-one setting.
Whether you're interested in military service, exploring career options, or simply looking for support as a military-connected student, Miami Southridge is committed to helping you every step of the way. Below is a list of activities and events available to our students.
- Military Recruiter Presentations starting- October 30, 2024
- Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center (Stand Down) – November 1, 2024
- Veteran’s Day Parade- November 11, 2024
- Miami-Dade Military Museum and Memorial at Zoo Miami – December 19, 2024
- Coordinated/Scheduled (ASVAB) for School students – January 8, 2025
- Superintendent’s District Military JROTC Pass-in-Review Ceremony – February 2025
- Joint Air Force JROTC Military Ball Ceremony @ Homestead Air Force Reserve Base – February 15, 2025
Points of Contact:
David Williams, Sergeant, USAF (ret.)
Aerospace Instructor
AFJROTC
djrwilliams@dadeschools.net
Seren Evans
CAP Advisor
sevans@dadeschools.net
Resources for Mental Health Challenges
Miami Southridge Senior High is fully equipped with a comprehensive team of counselors and mental health professionals who are dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by all our students, including those from military families.
At Southridge, all of our staff members have been trained in Teen Mental Health First Aid (TMHFA). This training equips our team to better understand, identify, and respond to signs of mental health issues and substance use disorders among our students. By providing this level of care and support, we ensure that our students have access to the help they need when they need it most.
Please access the links below for resources:
Student Services and School-Based Mental Health Services Website
List of Military Family Resources
Miami Army MWR School Support Services Website
Military Teens and Mental Health
Military Child Wellbeing tool kit (https://militarychild.org/resource/wellbeing-toolkit/)
Point of Contact:
Victor Tejera
Student Services Department Chair
TRUST Counselor
tejera@dadeschools.net
Become a Volunteer
At Miami Southridge Senior High, we warmly welcome active-duty military parents to join our community as volunteers! Your involvement can make a positive impact on our students and school activities. If you're interested in volunteering, please register through the link below. We look forward to having you as part of the Southridge family!